1976 corvette early or late
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 396
Likes: 3
From: Buffalo New York
I've got an early '76. It was built in December, 15,000 out of 46,000. The trim tag code for December is "E". There are two things that I know of that are different. On the early '76, the courtesy light is on the bottom of the rearview mirror, on the late '76 it's on the center piece of the t-top. Also, on the early '76, the rear bumper emblem is 6" wide, on the late '76 it's 8" wide. There is also something different about the radiator support, but I can't remember what.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
Likes: 439
From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
From what I have read, the change took place gradually and started as early as March, 1976 and as late as May as parts ran out. The later version had '77 parts including interior items. If you still have the sticker on the drivers door, it will tell you what month your car was built. Mine was built in Feb and it is definitely the early version. 
Racer
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 281
Likes: 9
From: New England
I also find this confusing? I have a 76 # 440144 out of 46000 and mine is an early model with the small emblem and the mirror map light, just when did the late models start and with what number . I would think early models woukd be 20,000 or something. 440144 seems to be about near the last of the run I'm thinking maybe the last few hundred were the late models?
Last edited by dariopop; Jan 5, 2008 at 04:36 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,991
Likes: 3
From: Piscataway NJ
As far as the rad support the early will have two studs at the bottom to secure the fan shrould. The late support will have a tray that runs left to right about 3 1/2 wide. And the fan shrould is secured at the bottom by two S shaped clips
Racer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 385
Likes: 3
From: RTP NC
I've come to the conclusion that you can't trust the VIN number for determining the early/late thing. I have a '76, built in July of 76, and it has early '76 parts such as the light on the rear view mirror, it also has late parts such as the C O R V E T T E lettering on the back. It is also full of '77 parts, especially when it comes to the engine, A/C...etc. I ordered the A/C hose several months ago, ordered the late '76 and it was the incorrect hose....... I guess what I am trying to say is, It would be better to take the part out of the car and if possible, look at the early and late parts to try and match them up..
Good Luck!
Good Luck!
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Racer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 360
Likes: 0
So long as it hasn't been replaced with an incorrect year part. I had a late '76 core support that a p/o put in my '74
